Lola Rossi, a student at Haddon Heights High School in N.J., with the. Harvey Milk High School, New York City, US. They offer a LGBT health certificate, which teaches healthcare students the knowledge to successfully treat LGBT patients. In fact, according to the Human Rights . For college students seeking LGBTQ+-friendly colleges, a helpful resource to consider in your research is Campus Pride, a national organization for college students seeking support and resources for LGBTQ+ issues on campus. Reviewed by Angelique Geehan Updated June 25, 2022 Learn more about our editorial process Start the Survey . It has since grown to provide support, learning and research opportunities, employment, and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students. expression. They have gender inclusive housing in Stonewall Living Suites, which connects students interested in supporting the LGBTQA community. Augsburg has gender neutral restrooms all over campus for students to have a safe restroom. The researchers surveyed nearly 2,500 teachers and students across the country and found that teachers were less comfortable intervening with bullying due to sexual orientation and gender identity than with bullying based on race, ability, and religion. NIU ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Safe Space workshops, resources for education on unconscious bias, and participation in local Pride events provide the LGBTQ+ community with opportunities to connect with members of the community for academic and social support. Campus Pride National Scholarship Database, Effective LGBTQ Strategies for a Safer, More Welcoming Campus, Transgender Membership in Fraternities and Sororities and Title IX. 4 Best Scholarships for LGBTQ Students Scholarships are a type of financial aid that don't need to be paid back, which means they can make a substantial difference in your ability to afford. It serves to foster a safe campus environment and affirm members of its community. There are also scholarships and grants available for community members. There are many LGBTQ+ resources available to students to build community. SDSU has gender neutral restrooms. They have worked to improve the climate, services, education and resources within the university and healthcare settings. Gender-inclusive housing, scholarship opportunities, health care, faculty representation, and the availability of student organizations and mentorship opportunities are all important factors to LGBTQ+ student success. Pennsylvania State University was established in 1855 as a land-grant school known as the Farmers High School of Pennsylvania. Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) are student clubs, just like Drama Club or Key Club, that allow students with a common interest to get together and have discussions or activities about that interest. Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ed.D., is the director of Florida Atlantic University's Scholars Program, an initiative that provides support and programming for high-achieving students, particularly those in medicine. A 2020 American College Health Association study reported that out of a cohort of 8,000 surveyed, 21% identified as LGBTQ+. Southern Oregon University, located in Ashland OR, was ranked one of the top 25 LGBT friendly universities. The University of New Mexico ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. Students learn about the development of LGBTQ identity formation and the coming out process. This happens through consultations with center staff, Safe Zone training, and conferences. Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, KS, is the proud home of the Wildcats. Students have the opportunity to create and design their preferred interdisciplinary coursework/degree. The LGBT Center at Tufts University offers a safe space for students to gather, as well as campuswide programing on sexuality, gender, and discrimination. University of Michigan, Ann ArborAnn Arbor, Mich.Campus Pride Index LGBTQ-Friendly Rating: 5 out of 5 StarsGender Identity/Expression Score: 5 out of 5 Stars. Connecticut College's LGBTQIA Center was founded in 2007 by a group of students in conjunction with a faculty member. Student Paper Calls on ASU to Unsubscribe From N.Y. 'Times' President Sasse to face protests and demands on first day Seattle Pacific Removes Pride Flags from Campus Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) as a comprehensive resource providing information, education and reinforced advocacy for those exploring or identifying with a variety of gender and non-gender identities. Title IX for employee or student harassment of transgender students when there is notice of harassment, followed by deliberate indifference and a failure to respond appropriately.10 If a complaint is filed alleging discrimination or harassment of a transgender student, school officials should work closely with the district's attorney. Visit sites to learn more about enrollment, tuition, and aid. Policies and locations are drafted and organized into one Ithaca College Statement. K-State has a Gender Collective, which is an organization that provides a safe place for trans, cross gender, intersex, androgynous, gender variant individuals. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds have launched meaningful careers upon graduation for a century. The center staff provides referrals for campus resources such as counseling, the Kearney S.A.F.E. In partnership with Campus Pride, we are happy to bring you our top 25 most LGBTQ+-friendly colleges in the United States. The center offers social activities such as Wednesday Wine Downs, LBGTeas, open houses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and Safe Space training. In this minor, students are informed about the intersectional experience of gender and sexuality and they way they move within all humans. The Prism Center has been serving the LGBTQ+ population at the University of Vermont since 1999 and is a place for students to build their leadership skills, connect to the community, and advocate for equity and inclusion. bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, history, and events. Macalester College was founded in 1874 and, to this day, only offers undergraduate four-year degree programs. Several factors that can help improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people include: Addressing LGBTQ+-related stigma, discrimination, and violence Building on the strengths of LGBTQ+ youth Fostering supports such as family acceptance and safe, affirming environments in schools and other settings The GSRCs website offers easy access to many resources for students determining their true gender identity. State laws and school district policies in many places also protect transgender students from discrimination. Indiana University Bloomington is a public university established in 1820. About 40% of Lehighs student body studies at the College of Arts and Sciences. Virginia has moved to restrict the rights of trans students in its public schools. Emory University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. The Montana State University LGBTQ+ Resource directory provides a comprehensive look into all of the educational and support resources available to the campus community. Princeton ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. There are colleges in every state that provide notable LGBTQ+ support services. Public middle and high schools were required to follow the sex ed laws in the California Healthy Youth Act beginning in 2016, . Edited by Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) proudly demonstrates its campus pride by offering The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center (LGBT Center) to its entire student body. They created a certificate in EDI for faculty and staff as part of their professional development. Additionally, HMC provides gender inclusive housing options. Increased visibility of LGBTQ+ students on campuses has increased the need for support networks. The Office of LGBTQIA Education and Engagement at Texas Tech University focuses on leadership and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. A recent report by the Proud and Thriving Project found that LGBTQ+ students experience greater incidences of mental health conditions than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, making adequate mental health resources critical. Kenyon College biennially hosts the Queer and Trans Studies Conference, featuring tracks in healthcare and technology, visual and performing arts, humanities and popular culture, society and law, and community interest workshops. The LGBTQ+ community at the University of Pittsburgh also plays an active role in fraternities and sororities and has gender-inclusive housing options available through the Office of Residence Life. This major helps to advance the knowledge of sexual and gender identity, while increases the understanding of cultural diversity, along with historical and current day experiences of people across all sexualities. The Health Center provides counseling as well as wellness promotion and gender-affirming support. Ithaca College is a private college founded in 1892. There is a focus on the intersectionality of gender, race, religion, and sexuality. Through Macalester Colleges (MAC) Career Development Center, the college offers students a chance to participate, and run, its Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC). Supportive educators. The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center collaborates with various campus partners to provide support to the LGBTQ+ community. So, this leaves both students, schools, and parents with the underlying realization that LGBTQ+ education has little to no involvement in most classrooms. Ohio State University has an active LGBTQ+ community and provides comprehensive support for them with gender-inclusive housing, comprehensive health services, and faith-based support. Founded in 1989, the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) was created to support and empower the LGBTQ+ community through events, education and other interventions. All students should ensure their institution of choice is a good fit for them, but LGBTQ+ students have additional details to consider. LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis: Best Practices Webinar LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other/questioning) students, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, and especially those students who live at the intersection of those identities, experience significant disparities compared to their peers. They gain a broader understanding of how health, family difficulties and LGBTQ issues play out across an individuals life span. The LGBT Center provides a space for those exploring their gender identity. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Equity Center serves all LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff at the university. The resource library also catalogs books, movies, and other resources. Other courses address sex related issues, including sexual abuse and intimacy issues. The 1,000-acre campus is a couple of miles north of downtown Columbus. They advocate and celebrate those identities that continue to be marginalized. diverse students. School clubs provide safe spaces and support networks for LGBT students. The organization provides speakers from the community to present in classes, residence halls, or other events. The University Counseling Center offers individual and group therapy options and critical care. Its also a proud home of Pride, dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment for all LGBT students. UW-Eau Claire has a Gender & Sexuality Resource Center dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive campus for all students. The LGBT Resource Center at Kansas State University opened in 2010, and works to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as resources to support the community at large. How Important is the LSAT to Law School Admissions? Tell us about life at your school. The Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GRSC) at Macalester College provides programming for its LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. Of the top LGBTQ+-serving institutions, The Ohio State University has the largest overall student population and a strong support system for the LGBTQ+ community. Resources include workshops on inclusive language, gender in art, and trans rights. Get the BestColleges ranking seal. Lehigh has established SafeZones throughout the campus, where staff, students and faculty are trained to professionally handle gender diversity issues. Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) supports their LGBT students through their established LGBTQ+ Culture Center, a program administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs. Anyone looking for information on how to support trans, and gender variant individuals in their lives is welcome. Harvey Mudd College provides a map that discloses the location of its gender neutral bathrooms across campus. Policies or organizations that work for one college may not work for another, so defining LGBT friendly colleges means sorting through and analyzing. They offer all gender campus housing for those who want to live with others regardless of their gender. Ithaca College provides a vibrant and engaged community for LGBTQ+ students through their Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services. Los Angeles LGBT Center: Out for Safe School Campaign. The center provides opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection to the community. Sex education has always been an undercovered topic in schools, but little to no coverage ever reaches the LGBT community. In 2018, two Elon students produced a documentary which was screened at the NC Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the second largest LBGT film festival in the southeast region of the U.S. Tufts Universitys LGBT Center was established in the early 1990s to act as a social and educational hub for LGBT alumni and students. The infrastructure of the college is also critical to creating a climate of inclusion, particularly through gender-inclusive housing, inclusive restrooms, and faculty and staff representation. Montclair State University, located in Clifton, NJ, has a LGBTQ Center dedicated to creating an environment of inclusion and support to all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expression. It is the 4th oldest higher learning institution in the country. There are a number of characteristics to look for on a college campus that supports LGBTQ+ students. In 2006, the Princeton LGBT Center opened as a symbol of their campus pride.This center provided the necessary resources for those on an exploration path to discover their own sexuality. 22 school districts were given "top tier" ratings, 80 . The Pride Center offers access to resources for students, parents, faculty, guardians and Lehigh Universitys alumni. UNK ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. According to U.S. News & World Report, Lehigh University ranked 53rd (Tied) among 2019s best colleges. Ready, Set, Respect! Ohio State has a number of Q*mmunity Groups that focus upon CORE (Coming Out for Racial Equality) groups, among others. The Gender + Equality Center houses advocates that cultivate and affirm the rights of LGBTQ+ people and women on campus. The best estimate of how many GSAs exist in Catholic schools comes from GLSEN's 2013 National School Climate Survey, in which only 18 percent of LGBTQ students at private religious schools reported that their school had a GSA. 2023 College Consensus | All Rights Reserved. The scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. Among the LGBT friendly colleges, HMC is one of the most selective, as its acceptance rate is only 13%. For the fourth year in a row, Campus Pride Index has ranked Elon is among the top 30 LGBT friendly colleges. Other resources include an African-American Resource Center, religious organizations and various cultural clubs. UMD offers all types of programming and panels to support their LGBTQA community. The purpose of the center is to create an inclusive community on campus. University of Delaware ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Together with the administration, they are creating an accessible environment for individuals of varying gender identities. Their programming involves social, academic, and advocacy opportunities, as well as health promotion and financial support. The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire is located in Eau Claire, WI, and has received a 5 star rating by the Campus Pride Index as the best school in Wisconsin for LGBTQIA+ students. The QRC hosts various support programs such as the Queer and Questioning Mentor Program and events such as National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, and other social events. K-State has a chapter of Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) dedicated to fostering leadership for LGBTQA individuals in STEM fields. Have inclusive and representative curriculum. Tufts University is comprised of ten schools across four Boston campuses and another in the French Alps. Enlarge this image. Off-campus community groups also create strong partnerships for the campus community. Founded in 1989, the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) was created to support and empower the LGBTQ+ community through events, education, and other initiatives. Whether it is through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. Student academic and social organizations provide connections on campus, as do the LGBTQI Life programs. How . The provide outreach and education for the K-State community with the goal of promoting a better understanding and acceptance of gender diversity and identity issues. Elon University (Elon) offers a Gender & LGBTQIA Center to promote tolerance and inclusion across its campus. This network includes student organizations, inclusive healthcare and counseling services, and support centers. Ally training is available on campus, and the university collaborates closely advocacy groups in the community such as Freedom Oklahoma and the Norman Queer Alliance. Find out how the University of Texas at Dallas creates a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. Results Overall, 1.8% of youth identified as transgender. Gender neutral dorms and other forms of gender inclusive housing, for instance, allow transgender students to find a housing situation where they can be comfortable, just one example of how intentional policies can make for LGBT friendly colleges. OnlineSchools.org. They provide space for all members of the Duck community to explore their identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. It is important to note that the following list does not include states where there are no schools that rank on the Campus Pride Index or states that do not have at least a four-star rating on the Campus Pride Index. They do this through increasing awareness, leadership development, and various other resources. The LGBTQ Student Center hosts a number of student organizations for its diverse populations. The five strategies below provide action-oriented practices that can positively impact your LGBTQ students' experience while they are in school. Theres no one, simple way of defining what makes for LGBT friendly colleges, but there are some guidelines that can give an indication of their level of welcoming. Their mission is to foster personal and academic growth for those students who identify, and those who are exploring their gender identity. Rutgers University, located in New Brunswick, NJ, is a top rated LGBT University. Housed within the Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons, various programs are available to the community, including identity support, discrimination and bias prevention, and mental health and well-being programs. . 4. Among middle and high school students at public and private nonreligious schools, this number jumped to 50 percent. University of Pennsylvania Location: Philadelphia, PA Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,000 Acceptance Rate: 6% UPenn ranks high on the scorecard for recruitment and retention of LGBTQ+ students. Pursue Professional Development. The Pride Center at Lehigh University has a strong history of consistent development since its first student organization was created in 1972. The office also provides connections to community activism and support programs. The Academic Residential Community creates opportunity through course work to foster understanding and respect for various identities. Annual scholarships for LGBTQ students in financial need or coming from an LGBTQ-lacking youth community. IU-Bloomington is also home to the worlds 2nd largest student union, another sign of its commitment to student life. Their mission is to create a campust where everyone has a chance to explore who they and who they wish to be. Brown University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. These 25 institutions are the highest-ranking colleges and universities known for their queer-friendliness. This unique initiative built a comprehensive library resource (i.e. The University of Washington (UW or U-Dub) opened The Q Center, primarily run by students, that offers advising, policy advocacy and mentoring services to anyone regardless of their identified gender or sexual preference. Workshops and professional development with experts can help to ensure that your school is inclusive, safe, and affirming for LGBTQ youth. We believe in education, inspiration, and inclusion in all programs and events. LGBT friendly colleges provide a safe space for queer young people, while helping prepare them for a workforce that is still frequently hostile. The Commission supports the Office of Inclusion: Multicultural & LGBTQIA Student Services and provides Safe Zone training, counseling services, and policy for safety and health promotion on campus. Olympic athletes from Ohio State have earned 100 medals (is it any wonder Ohio State has one of the top campus recreation centers in the US?). Multiple residence halls provide gender-inclusive housing and student activities coordinated by Guilford College Pride. IU Bloomington offers gender neutral housing that allows LGBT students to live their authentic selves on campus. Adequate health services that provide counseling and gender-affirming treatment are also important factors. Cities considered LGBTQ+-friendly have well-established, safe communities with activities, nightlife, housing, and events that are appealing to the LGBTQ+ community. However, schools can make a difference. Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. The Resource Center offers education on being a LGBT and Trans ally. Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. In 1971, the University of Michigan became the first college in the country to establish an LGBT office, and the university continues to be a pioneer on trans support. Campuswide events include an Ithaca Pride walking tour of historically meaningful sites in Ithaca, an important site for LGBTQ+ rights. Online learning opportunities also allow involvement with easier access. Their ethos is to observe and embrace student and faculty differences. They recruit and address the needs of the LGBTQA and STEM communities and those who have been underrepresented in the past. They have gender inclusive housing such as residence halls for individuals that do not conform to male or female gender. Education and training continuously change as the needs of LGBT individuals are better understood. LGBT friendly colleges are critical for the safety and well-being of gay, lesbian, trans, and nonconforming young people all over the nation. He is co-founder and executive director of Campus Pride. Here are the top-ranked colleges for LGBTQ+ support. On Instagram, alum Gabi Antuna shared a screenshot from the 2021-2022 student handbook about the gender policy. Graduate students can also participate in OUTgrads, LGBTQ+Med Alliance, OUTLaw, and other academic communities for support and guidance. Students discuss ethical and legal impacts on LGBTQ individuals and their families. You have the right to express your gender, and it is unlawful for your peers or teachers to harass or treat you differently because of your gender. Peer support from LGBTQ+ organizations or mentorship programs can offer a safe space to explore identity or socialize with like-minded individuals. LGBT students can study International Affairs, Finance, Engineering, Architecture, Theology, the Social and Natural Sciences, among other majors. The LGBTQ+ Culture Center at Indiana University-Bloomington provides support to members of its LGBTQ+ community that includes scholarships, educational resources, and other support services. Here are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Universities For 2021 1 University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Graduation Rate: 94% Students at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business have access to several conferences that support LGBTQ students, such as Reaching Out's Annual LGBT MBA conference and the Out for Undergraduate Business Conference. List of Schools Welcome to Gay Parent Magazine's listing of infant classes, preschools, and private day and boarding schools. Through peer support, leadership development, and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: (1) create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and other oppressions; (2) educate school communities about The GIESOPRC has multiple resources and guides for those who would like to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. UofL ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. PSU ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The LGBTQ Center at Brown University was established in 2004 and serves to provide a comprehensive training and support system surrounding issues of gender identity and sexuality for members of the LGBTQ+ community at the university and in the greater community. When she started going through . SOU has a Queer Resource Center (QRC), which is dedicated to visible and accessible advocacy for the needs of LGBT students. The University of Vermont ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. September 3, 2019. Shane Windmeyer is a leading author on LGBTQ+ campus issues, national leader in LGBTQ+ civil rights, and a champion for LGBTQ+ issues on college campuses. Vanderbilt University ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. Lambda Legal is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mid Vermont Christian School in Junction had been . The focus is critical thinking and social analysis about larger social and institutional formations. The organization's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity. No matter what sex you were assigned at birth, you have the right to cut your hair and wear your clothes in a way that matches . Those attending Harvey Mudd College proudly call themselves Mudders, and theyre frequently ranked among the best small colleges in the nation. At the high school level, counselors are forming LGBTQ support groups to provide outlets for these students to discuss specific issues and concerns. It exists to develop, support, and give "voice and action" in building future LGBTQ+ and ally student leaders. School administrators should be aware that the U.S. Department of Education advises that transgender and gender non-conforming students are covered by Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in schools. The university provides special interest housing, and the campus health center is available for a broad range of sexual health support and gender-confirming therapy. New Title IX rules set to assert rights of transgender students. One masters level course, LGBTQ Issues, students are given a foundation and the skills to work with LGBTQ individuals. The staff is trained in intersectional social justice issues, trans healthcare and creating a safe place for survivors of interpersonal violence. Antonian College Preparatory High School, San Antonio, TX, has adopted a new policy which threatens to expel transgender students. Kenyon College has a strong institutional commitment to providing a safe, vibrant community for its LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, and a policy to support them. When a student sees a SafeZone sign on campus, it identifies a safe place for LGBT students to talk about gender identity concerns with faculty committed and trained to support diversity and inclusion. Campus-wide events include an Ithaca Pride walking tour of historically meaningful sites in Ithaca, an important site for LGBTQ+ rights. Annually, Campus Pride produces the Campus Pride Index, which awards star ratings (scaled 1-5) to colleges based on their LGBTQ+ supportive policies, LGBTQ+ student resources, and other criteria. Reuters/Stephane Mahe. by Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ed.D. It hosts an annual campus visit day for GSAs (Gay/Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliances) in the region to introduce high school students to college life and to the University's LGBTQ+ resources. Their mission is to proactively foster academic (and personal) success by building a campus that understands and appreciates LGBT students, faculty and alumni issues. Other resources encourage connection, advocacy, and networking throughout the community. The center also facilitates participation in events such as the Pride Parade, Black Gay Pride Week, Dragstavaganza, and Trans Day of Remembrance. The Campus Pride Index has recognized Macalester College as one of the best colleges for LGBT students in the nation. The program connects community members to campus and local resources for support.